Vicky Pattison, the well-known television personality and former Geordie Shore star, has offered her fans an unfiltered look behind the sequined curtain of Strictly Come Dancing 2025. With the new season of the BBC’s beloved ballroom competition set to launch on September 20, Pattison, 37, has been documenting her journey—blisters, tears, and all—through candid social media updates and heartfelt interviews. Her openness has sparked a wave of support from fans and fellow contestants alike, highlighting both the physical and emotional demands of the show.
On September 12, Pattison took to Instagram to share a series of behind-the-scenes photos from her first week of rehearsals. Among the images: a close-up of her left big toe, sporting a burst blister so raw that, as she joked, “I feel like you can see into my soul on this one.” She warned her followers, “PS I’m sorry if you hate feet... there’s going to be a LOT of feet pics in my future.” The gritty reality of dance training was on full display, and the response was immediate. Fans flooded her feed with messages of encouragement, empathy, and advice—some even offering tips for foot care or simply cheering her on to “get those feet massaged and iced.”
“It’s been a WEEK let me tell you lads,” Pattison wrote in the caption, capturing the rollercoaster of emotions that seems to define the early days of Strictly training. “I’ve laughed, cried and been strictlified. But I already feel like I’ve made friends for life with all my gorgeous dancers, not to mention the pros and the fabulous crew! It certainly is a juggernaut and I’m so honoured to be a part of this year’s show... even if it means I’ll have no skin at all left on my feet soon.”
Her candor didn’t stop there. In a carousel of images, she included joyful moments with fellow contestants—among them Love Island winner Dani Dyer and Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope—and even a playful snap of her dog clutching a shoe. These glimpses behind the scenes painted a picture of camaraderie and resilience, even as the physical cost of intense rehearsals became clear.
But the journey has not been without its challenges. Pattison has been upfront about her struggles with anxiety and self-doubt. Speaking on Angela Scanlon’s Get a Grip podcast, she described returning to therapy and “crying for three hours straight” over her fears about the competition. She credits psychologists Nick and Eva Speakman with helping her unpack her anxieties and clarify her motivations for joining Strictly. “I want to prove to people that I can do it, and that I’m more than just a reality TV star. And I want to be a TV presenter eventually and I think this is a great step,” she explained on the podcast. The Speakmans, she said, encouraged her to write down her reasons for participating, which proved “super illuminating.”
Her honesty resonated with fans, who responded not just with sympathy for her blistered feet, but with admiration for her willingness to be vulnerable. One supporter commented, “You’re going to be great. Enjoy it and be your true authentic self and you will go far. It’s not about being the best dancer, it’s about being vulnerable and willing to try something new. Be proud of yourself for showing up despite your anxiety.” Another added, “So so so excited!! Counting down the days til I get to watch you smash it.”
The outpouring of positivity hasn’t been limited to fans. Pattison also credited a “nice phone call with Pete Wicks and a little cry” with helping her through her most anxious moments, as reported by The Independent. She described feeling like a “coiled spring” with nerves, but found comfort in her support network of friends, professionals, and fellow contestants.
Strictly’s 2025 lineup is one of its most diverse yet, featuring contestants from a broad array of backgrounds. Alongside Pattison and Thomas Skinner of The Apprentice, this season welcomes Ellie Goldstein, the show’s first participant with Down’s syndrome, and La Voix, its inaugural drag queen contestant. Lioness Karen Carney and Good Morning Britain’s Ross King are also among the cast, reflecting the show’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity and representation. According to The Mirror, this blend of personalities has already fostered a sense of “friends for life” among the group, as echoed in Pattison’s own posts.
Yet, as with any high-profile competition, there’s been a hint of controversy. Reports emerged of an alleged leak revealing this year’s dance partnerships, sparking debate among fans on social media. While some Twitter/X users questioned the veracity of the leaked pairings—“is that confirmed? this one is saying different”—BBC programme chiefs have kept official announcements under wraps, intensifying anticipation for the season’s premiere.
Pattison’s journey to Strictly began with a public reveal on ITV’s This Morning. Appearing alongside presenters Emma Willis and Craig Doyle, she confessed to feeling “terrified” about her dancing prospects. “I’ve not got high hopes for my dancing, I’m a drinker, not a dancer, drunk auntie dancing is me,” she admitted, displaying her trademark self-deprecating humour. Despite her nerves, she’s determined to make the most of the opportunity, both for personal growth and to challenge public perceptions about her career.
Throughout her updates, Pattison has repeatedly expressed gratitude for the kindness and encouragement she’s received. “Love you all and thank you for your continued kind and supportive words... they mean so much!!! Not long now,” she wrote in her latest post. The sense of community—both online and in the rehearsal studio—has been a steadying force as she navigates the physical demands and emotional highs and lows of the competition.
As the September 20 premiere approaches, anticipation is building not just for the glitz and glamour of the ballroom, but for the stories of perseverance, vulnerability, and transformation that contestants like Pattison embody. Her willingness to share the less glamorous side of training—the injuries, the anxiety, the moments of doubt—has made her journey all the more relatable and inspiring to viewers at home.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One on September 20, promising another season of dazzling performances, unexpected twists, and, if Vicky Pattison’s experience is any indication, plenty of heart. For Pattison, the bruises and blisters are just part of the price of chasing a new dream—and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
